For example, Hindu believers make pilgrimages to the Ganges River, Jews to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem or Muslims to Mecca. Despite the worldwide spread of religious-spiritual tourism, this study is limited to the aspects of Christians' spiritual journeys. The large number of wellness offers that are labeled “spiritual” are also not taken into account. [1]
The possibilities for spiritual and religious travel are diverse. Despite the centuries-old tradition of some types of travel, they show no lack of current interest. On the contrary, pilgrimages are currently “very trendy”. Younger types of vacation, such as the “temporary monastery,” also meet people’s increased need for “search for meaning” and “self-discovery” in an over-technological, fast-paced world.
Since spirituality is not necessarily associated with religious affiliation, spiritual tourism is also seeing increasing demand from non-religious people. This thesis is supported by the inclusion of spiritual tourism in the cultural tourism segment. Religious motives in combination with cultural motives can increasingly be identified as reasons for travel. Examples of this include visiting religious and historical sites or taking part in a Christian study trip, which enable the traveler to experience and learn about world and church history at original locations.
The Luther tourism segment offers numerous starting points for this, both in Wittenberg and in other cities that are related to the work of Martin Luther. Nevertheless, in the coming years, Wittenberg in particular will be the focus of national and international interest as the starting point of the Reformation. The Luther Decade should be viewed as an opportunity not only to attract more guests in the short term, but also to potentially enhance the image in the long term. [2]
SOURCE 2008
- [1] Cora Prünsten, August 13, 2008, diploma thesis HS Harz, selected aspects of spiritual tourism using the example of Lutherstadt Wittenberg, introduction p. 1
- [2] Cora Prünsten, August 13, 2008, diploma thesis HS Harz, selected aspects of spiritual tourism using the example of Lutherstadt Wittenberg, conclusion and outlook on the future of spiritual tourism p. 88